family is everything

indiana state fair – 2014

Gallery posted on by mommyinthemidwest

A look back: state fair (2013) | state fair (2011)

First things first, we have this tradition every year that we go to the state fair (we didn’t make it there in 2012 due to being in the middle of remodeling our newly purchased home).  We take a photo inside a tractor tire. I love doing this – we have several photos that we take each year. I enjoy comparing year to year to see how the boys have grown and this is one of my favorites. Dexter hasn’t been too interested in participating with me so far. Maybe next year.

PicMonkey CollageIt’s wild to see the similarities and differences from year to year.

IMG_2411

IMG_2426

IMG_0482

A pit stop at The Dairy Bar to grab a delicious grilled cheese sandwich. The boys had American on White while I enjoyed Pepper Jack on Sourdough.

IMG_2288 IMG_2292 IMG_2316 IMG_2318

Funhouse mirror fun:IMG_2333

Last year we were disappointed that we hadn’t planned ahead for the boys to see the Monster Truck show.  We failed to plan for it again this year, but felt lucky when we discovered that it was taking place Sunday during our visit.  The boys were extremely intrigued!IMG_2349 IMG_2356 IMG_2361 IMG_2362   They enjoyed it for a while but after about 45 minutes, Theo’d had enough of the loud engines and was begging to go.  Ryan and I pouted a little and Dexter just goes with the flow so he didn’t protest. Wouldn’t you know, it wasn’t long before Mr. Grumpy Pants was passed out, fast asleep.

IMG_2446

Since Theo kind of ruined the Monster Truck show for the rest of us, we rewarded Dexter’s good behavior by allowing him to choose a ride to ride. I was not planning to do any rides – I’m just not a fan of fair rides – I don’t trust them at all.  So this was a big deal for me, letting him ride these darn boats!IMG_2455

Theo continued sleeping for a bit longer so he missed out on the meet n greet with this Dino.  Dex was ALL ABOUT it until we got in line. Then he said “I want you to go with me, Mommy. I want you to hold me.” So I passed my camera off to Ryan and thank goodness I did… we were NOT expecting Dexter’s reaction when T-Rex roared and the lady pictured below tried to hand Dexter the dinosaur’s chain for our photo op.IMG_2472 IMG_2473It was so funny  and cute. He did get over it and smile towards the end of this brief interaction but those pictures weren’t as adorable.  After about six and a half hours we wrapped up our day at the fair. Another Midwest annual tradition done and in the books!

xo,

~C~

the fourth: 2014

Posted on by mommyinthemidwest

Huh, how about that. I guess I’ve never posted a 4th of July recap. Well, last year we were on a little weekend getaway for our 10th wedding anniversary but it wasn’t all festive with fireworks and that kind of crap.

So here’s my first real Independence Day recap. It was nice that the 4th was on a Friday which lent itself to a lovely, long weekend.  Ryan’s parents live on a small lake that is perfect for relaxing, jumping off the dock, floating around, and taking pontoon boat rides. They invited us We invited ourselves to come and stay for the weekend. Ryan’s sister and her family were able to join us from Ohio as well. IMG_0641

Obligatory red, white, ‘n blue outfit pics.

I mean, could they be any sillier? No. Cuter? Never.

IMG_0654 IMG_0659

silliesLove them a lot.

They napped for HOURS every day.

IMG_0664

Saturday was our 11 year anniversary so Nana and Pop Pop watched all three boys while Ryan and I enjoyed a rare double date with his sister and her soon-to-be husband.  Dinner at FARMbloomington. farm

Their FARMfamous garlic fries. Oh. Wow. And their homemade chipotle catsup. Yes.
IMG_0683

IMG_0687 IMG_0689

Our view from the “silo” table.IMG_0693 IMG_0698

Neat sights at every turn in this one-of-a-kind restaurant.
Yep, even by the bathrooms.

IMG_0700

 

Although it was a GORGEOUS night to walk around downtown Bloomington, which is lovely, we wanted to get back in time to enjoy the fireworks over the lake with the boys. Aunt ‘Chelle treated the boys with glow swords and glow bracelets –they may have been a bigger hit than the show.
After messing with my camera settings for five minutes before the actual show started, I gave up and put the camera down. I couldn’t figure it out and didn’t want to spoil the moment.IMG_0719 IMG_0720 IMG_0723
Sunday mornin’ cherry eating.  Theo likes the “yellow cherries.”
IMG_0730 IMG_0735 IMG_0741
 Dexter prefers red.
There is a HUGE component of our weekend missing…. the LAKE and the sunshine that we were so lucky to enjoy all weekend.  Seems like when we are all able to get together, we are cursed with cool temps or cloudy skies – or both. Not this time. Again, I chose to live in the moment and not take 500 pics. I had a drink in my hand and the sun on my skin and many long conversations with my sister-in-law. That was all I needed to make the weekend complete.
A few iPhone pics:  PicMonkey Collage
What’d you do for the Fourth?
xo,
~C~

making memories – that’s what matters

Posted on by mommyinthemidwest

I have been taking at least one picture a day since starting the Catch the Moment 365 photo project, but sometimes I will go almost a whole week before looking through the photos on my camera. Tonight I started feeling like I was getting way behind on sorting, deleting, and editing photos so I popped my memory card in the computer and starting scrolling through.

Now, I know that last Thursday was…well, just last Thursday.  But my heart swelled a little and I got a little lump in my throat as I clicked through the pictures below.  My mom drove 6 hours to visit my grandma then drove her another 2 hours in pouring rain and rush hour traffic to my house for dinner. Usually, we are visiting her so it felt like a treat and honor to have her in my home. This sweet lady turned 80 last week.

IMG_0048 IMG_0062
Their mutual joy… I almost can’t take it.
IMG_0065 IMG_0072 IMG_0075 IMG_0078 IMG_0090Our little visit was short and sweet. My grandma became a widow almost two years ago and while she is a healthy lady, it’s impossible to ignore the awareness that every visit with her is precious. I want my boys to remember her presence, be in pictures with her, and have sweet memories of her kind personality. When Ryan and I met, we had all 4 of our parents and 7 out of 8 grandparents.  Now my grandma is ‘our’ only grandparent (and the boys’ only great-grandparent) and my dad is gone.

Life is so short. Celebrate. Say yes. The dishes can wait. Spend time together.  I’m not going to remember the chores that didn’t get done…I bet you won’t either.

xo,
~C~